Replace Microsoft Access with a PHPRunner web application
Move your Access database to a modern, secure web application that your team can access from any device, anywhere.
Full-featured trial. No credit card required.
From Access to working web application
Your Access database becomes the starting point for a browser-based business application.
Secure. Role-based access. Built for your business.
Protect your data with user management, permissions, and audit options.
Web-based access from anywhere
Your team works from a browser on any device, in the office or on the go.
Why organizations replace Microsoft Access
Access is a great tool for getting started, but as your application grows, it can become harder to share, secure, and maintain.
Multiple users, multiple locations
Access files are not designed for high concurrency or reliable multi-user access over a network.
Security and permissions
Web applications provide stronger security, user roles, and granular permissions.
Modern work environment
Your team needs secure access from different locations and devices, not just from one computer.
How much of an Access application can be converted automatically?
Modern conversion workflows can do much more than move tables and data.
In many standard Microsoft Access applications, up to 80% of the application can often be converted automatically or semi-automatically. This may include tables, relationships, forms, form layouts, and some reports, charts, and dashboards.
The converted application should always be reviewed by a developer. Every Access project is different, and custom logic still needs human attention. But automated conversion can provide a much faster starting point than rebuilding the entire application manually.
What can often be converted
- Tables and fields
- Relationships
- Standard forms
- Form layout and control placement
- Tabs, sections, labels, and captions
- Lookup fields and dropdowns
- Some reports
- Some charts
- Some dashboards
- Navigation structure
What usually needs review or adjustment
- VBA code and macros
- Custom business logic
- Complex validation rules
- Advanced reports
- Unusual form behavior
- External integrations
- Security rules and permissions
- Final testing and user review
Important: The exact conversion percentage depends on the complexity of the Access application. Simpler database applications are easier to convert automatically. Applications with heavy VBA, complex workflows, or unusual reports usually require more manual work.
Example: from Access form to web application
Here is an example of how an existing Access form can become a working PHPRunner web application page.
Step 1
Original form in Microsoft Access
The starting point is the existing Access form, including fields, labels, layout, and the overall screen structure users already know.
Step 2
Converted form in PHPRunner designer
The form is converted into PHPRunner, where the layout can be reviewed, adjusted, and connected to web application behavior.
Step 3
Generated web application
The final result is a browser-based page that keeps the structure of the original form while running as part of a modern web application.
A practical path from Access to a web application
You do not have to rebuild everything at once. Most successful projects start with one useful module and grow from there.
Review the existing Access application
Start by reviewing tables, relationships, queries, forms, reports, charts, dashboards, macros, VBA code, and business rules. This helps determine what can be converted automatically and what needs manual attention.
Move the data to a server database
Move the data to a server database such as MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, or another supported database. This makes the application more reliable for multiple users and easier to back up, secure, and maintain.
Convert and generate the application
Connect PHPRunner to the new database and generate the application interface. Standard pages such as list, view, add, edit, search, import, export, reports, charts, and dashboards can be created automatically. In many cases, existing Access forms and layouts can also provide a strong starting point.
Review, customize, and test
Add security, permissions, business logic, email notifications, custom buttons, reports, dashboards, and workflow rules where needed. The converted application should be tested by developers and real users before going live.
Build your next web application with PHPRunner
PHPRunner helps you build secure web applications with role-based permissions, reports, dashboards, audit trails, email notifications, REST API integration, and custom business logic — without starting from scratch.